Residence permit for studies
Iceland
Last updated: December 25, 2025
1 year (renewable)
$128
8-10 months
Medium
About this Visa
This permit lets you study full-time at an Icelandic university or college. It's for international students who want to live and study in Iceland. You can study, live in Iceland, and work part-time while studying. You can also bring your spouse and children with you if they apply separately. This permit is still active and accepting applications. However, the price increased on January 1, 2026.
Key Benefits
- Work part-time up to 22.5 hours/week while studying, full-time during breaks
- Bring spouse if married or cohabiting 1+ year
- Bring children under 18
- Free healthcare after 6 months
- Travel freely in Schengen area
- Path to permanent residence after 4 years total residence
- Post-graduation stay up to 3 years while job searching
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Age 18 or older
- Full-time enrollment at recognized Icelandic school with minimum 30 course credits per semester
- Academic performance: complete 75% of classes in first year for renewal
- No criminal record: cannot have served 3+ months in prison in past 5 years
- Valid health insurance before arrival
- Sufficient financial support as specified above
- All information in application must be accurate
Financial Requirement
Single person: $1,969/month. Married couple: $3,152/month. Each additional adult: $904/month. Proof required for entire permit duration via bank statements or income letters.
Documents
- Valid passport90+ days validity after permit expires
- Application form D-208Completed, printed, and signed
- Payment receiptISK 70,000 as of Jan 1, 2026
- Passport photoRecent standard format
- Criminal record certificateFrom home country, less than 6 months old
- Proof of financial supportBank statements or income letters showing monthly support amounts
- University acceptance letterFrom recognized Icelandic institution
- Health insurance confirmationMinimum ISK 2,000,000 coverage
- Academic transcriptsRequired when renewing
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.